The best book, hobby & craft shops in Santa Cruz

“Real Guitars, San Francisco's oldest guitar shop, keeps a killer rotation of used and vintage guitars, amps, and pedals, plus on-site repair for setups, refrets, and pickups. When your Hayward rig needs mojo, check their inventory and pounce before the good stuff vanishes.”

From the Hayward newsletter, August 6, 2026

“Whether you’re hunting a characterful acoustic, a shiny new electric, or something quirkier like a mandolin or resonator, Sylvan Music keeps fresh arrivals rolling. They also handle repairs, rentals, lessons, and appraisals, so you can try gear, tune up your favorite, or finally learn that song this week.”

“Since 1922, Union Music Company has stocked an extensive lineup of new and used band and orchestra instruments for beginners and pros, plus a deep sheet music selection and private lesson studios with independent teachers.”

From the San Mateo newsletter, August 7, 2026

“Owned and run by Bay Area musicians, Vision Guitar is the boutique spot Gilroy players lean on for Suhr, PRS, Benson, Mesa Boogie, Strymon and other heavy-hitter brands. This week, whether you need one small part, quality upgrades for guitar or bass, or a full pedalboard designed, they’ll set you up right.”

From the Gilroy newsletter, August 4, 2026

“Music Village keeps Bay Area players covered with month-to-month rent-to-own band instruments, expert in-house repairs for strings, woodwinds, and brass, plus lessons on piano, guitar, voice, drums, and more. They stock trusted names like Yamaha, sheet music, and specialty finds...”

From the Fremont newsletter, August 6, 2026

“Level up your sound at Guitar Wars, the curated showroom for unique, sci-fi-themed instruments and truly rare finds. Swing by this week to chat with their expert team about sales, repairs, or tracking down that oddball tone you've been hearing in your head for years... your next riff awaits.”

From the Union City newsletter, August 7, 2026

“Music Village is the Bay Area stalwart to hit this week for rent-to-own school-band instruments, quick in-house repairs, legit teachers for all ages, and shelves of sheet music, plus fun gear like Yamaha’s Venova and the YDS-150 digital sax. They’ve been at it for over 50 years, so your chops are in good hands.”

From the Mountain View newsletter, August 6, 2026

“Just For Fun & Scribbledoodles / Artsake dishes out a whimsical stash of playthings plus family friendly events like Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon play, and a Kids Art Club. Swing by when your routine needs sparkle, then let their rewards program quietly pay you back for being fun.”

From the Richmond newsletter, August 6, 2026

“Retailer offering a wide selection of new and used guitars, drums, keyboards and recording equipment.”

“Yarn purveyor selling a wide range of yarns, including natural varieties, along with needles and hooks.”

“Veteran store (1974) for guitar aficionados, offering acoustic guitars & their kin, music & strings.”

“Enduring store providing a wide range of quilting & apparel fabrics, plus sewing supplies & classes.”

“Yarn store with a variety of colors and fibers, plus needles and notions.”

“Analog electronic-music shop selling modular synths, drum machines, effects pedals and sequencers.”

“One-stop music shop since 1948 for record needles & sheet music to instrument rentals & lessons.”

“Chain retailer carrying art & hobby supplies plus home decor (most offer classes & custom framing).”

“Landmark spot featuring a wide range of tools & supplies for artists, architects & designers.”

“Classic music shop stocking audio gear for the computer-based home & project studio, plus classes.”

“Chain retailer carrying art & hobby supplies plus home decor (most offer classes & custom framing).”

“Art supply and picture-frame store showcasing canvases, paints and paper, as well as frame options.”

“Long-standing shop provides a variety of fabrics, notions & art supplies, plus costume accessories.”

“Chain carrying a variety of arts & crafts materials, plus party supplies, fabric & home-decor items.”

“Guitar specialty shop, also stocking a range of instruments & gear, including a vintage selection.”

“Relaxed place selling guitars (electric and acoustic), amps and other equipment, as well as vinyl.”

“Relaxed, clean, inviting ceramic studio with friendly staff for painting pre-made pieces.”

“Chain retailer carrying art & hobby supplies plus home decor (most offer classes & custom framing).”

“Store offering a range of musical instruments, as well as sheet music.”

“Chain retailer carrying art & hobby supplies plus home decor (most offer classes & custom framing).”

“Art and office supplier selling paints, stationery and other related items as well as toys and gifts.”

“Workshop for creating Turkish mosaic lamps and tufted rugs, plus coffee and snacks.”

“This relaxed music store sells an array of ukuleles, plus strings, cases, stands, amps & tuners.”

“Indie music lovers' hangout for free live shows & an eclectic stock of new releases & vintage hits.”

“Chain retailer carrying art & hobby supplies plus home decor (most offer classes & custom framing).”

“Bookseller chain stocking housebrand eReader, plus a broad selection of titles for adults & kids.”